Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
USER INTERFACE FOR A FAUCET
Background and Summary of the Disclosure
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a faucet and, more particularly,
to a user
interface for controlling an electrically operable valve of a faucet.
[0002] It is desired to provide a structure and related method of moving a
faucet handle
in rotation for controlling a first water parameter, and in linear movement
for controlling a
second water parameter, wherein the faucet handle provides for smooth
operation so that fine
adjustments can be made. The illustrative faucet handle includes a tube or
collar that rotates and
translates on a straight section of a cylindrical portion of the faucet,
illustratively a tubular
delivery spout. End or limit stops are provided to limit travel both
rotationally and longitudinally.
The first water parameter illustratively comprises water temperature, wherein
rotational
movement of the faucet handle may control the temperature of water discharged
from an outlet
of the delivery spout. The second water parameter illustratively comprises
water flow rate,
wherein translational movement may control the flow rate of water discharged
from the outlet of
the delivery spout. An axial restraining device illustratively introduces
friction for yielding a
stable faucet handle while providing smooth operation.
[0003] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,
a faucet user
interface includes a support extending along the longitudinal axis, and a
handle operably coupled
to the support. The handle is rotatable about the longitudinal axis for
controlling a first water
parameter, and the handle is axially moveable along the longitudinal axis for
controlling a
second water parameter.
[0004] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a faucet
includes a delivery spout having an inlet, an outlet and a linear portion
positioned intermediate
the inlet and the outlet and extending along a longitudinal axis. A handle is
supported by the
linear portion of the delivery spout. An electrically operable valve is in
fluid communication
with the outlet of the delivery spout. A controller is in electrical
communication with the
electrically operable valve. A sensor is supported by the delivery spout and
is in electrical
communication with the controller. Rotation of the handle about the
longitudinal axis of the
delivery spout is detected by the sensor for controlling a first water
parameter, an axial
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movement of the handle along the longitudinal axis is detected by the sensor
for controlling a
second water parameter.
[0005] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a faucet
user interface includes a hub extending along a longitudinal axis, a first
handle operably coupled
to the hub, and a second handle operably coupled to the hub. The first handle
is rotatable about
the longitudinal axis for controlling a first water parameter, and the second
handle is rotatable
about the longitudinal axis for controlling a second water parameter. In a
variation of this further
illustrative embodiment, the first water parameter is a water flow rate and
the second water
parameter is a water temperature.
[0006] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a faucet
includes a delivery spout having an inlet, an outlet, and a linear portion
positioned intermediate
the inlet and the outlet and extending along a longitudinal axis. A first
handle and a second
handle are supported by the linear portion of the delivery spout. A first
electrically operable
valve is in fluid communication with the outlet of the delivery spout. A
controller is in electrical
communication with the electrically operable valve. A first sensor and a
second sensor are
supported by the delivery spout and are in electrical communication with the
controller. Rotation
of the first handle about the longitudinal axis of the delivery spout is
detected by the first sensor
for controlling a first water parameter. Rotation of the second handle about
the longitudinal axis
of the delivery spout is detected by the second sensor for controlling a
second water parameter.
In a variation of this illustrative embodiment, the first water parameter is
water flow rate and the
second water parameter is water temperature.
[0007] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a faucet
includes a delivery spout having an inlet, an outlet and a center axis
extending between the inlet
and the outlet. A first handle is rotatably supported by the delivery spout,
and a second handle is
rotatably supported by the delivery spout. A first sensor is supported by the
delivery spout and is
operably coupled to the first handle, and a second sensor is supported by the
delivery spout and
is operably coupled to the second handle. A controller is in electrical
communication with the
first sensor and the second sensor, wherein rotation of the first handle about
the center axis of the
delivery spout is detected by the first sensor, and rotation of the second
handle about the center
axis of the delivery spout is detected by the second sensor.
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[0008] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be
become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following
detailed description of the
illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the
invention as presently
perceived.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0009] A detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the
accompanying
figures, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative faucet;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the exploded perspective view of
FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the hub including axial
retainer;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handle;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the illustrative faucet of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further illustrative embodiment of
the faucet;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of
the faucet;
[0019] FIG. 10A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
1, showing the
handle in a low water flow, cold water position;
[0020] FIG. 10B is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 10A in the
low water
flow, cold water position, with the handle shown in phantom;
[0021] FIG. 11A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
1, showing the
handle in a low water flow, mixed water temperature position;
[0022] FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 11A in the
low water
flow, mixed water temperature position, with the handle shown in phantom;
[0023] FIG. 12A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
1, showing the
handle in a low water flow, hot water temperature position;
[0024] FIG. 12B is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 12A in the
low water
flow, hot water temperature position, with the handle shown in phantom;
[0025] FIG. 13A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
1, showing the
handle in a high water flow, cold water temperature position;
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[0026] FIG. 13B is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 13A in the
high water
flow, cold water temperature position, with the handle shown in phantom;
[0027] FIG. 14A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
1, showing the
handle in a high water flow, mixed water temperature position;
[0028] FIG. 14B is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 14A in the
high water
flow, mixed water temperature position, with the handle shown in phantom;
[0029] FIG. 15A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
1, showing the
handle in a high water flow, hot water temperature position;
[0030] FIG. 15B is a side elevational view of the handle of FIG. 15A in the
high water
flow, hot water temperature position, with the handle shown in phantom
[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further illustrative embodiment
of the faucet
including a first handle controlling a first water parameter, and a second
handle for controlling a
second water parameter;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
16;
[0033] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrative faucet
of FIG. 16;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the illustrative embodiment of FIG.
16;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of
FIG. 16 with the first
handle in a fully rotated forward position and the second handle in an
intermediate position;
[0036] FIG. 21 is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of FIG.
16 with the first
handle and the second handle in their intermediate positions;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of
FIG. 16 with the first
handle in a fully rotated away position and the second handle in the
intermediate position;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of
FIG. 16 with the first
handle in the fully rotated away position and the second handle in a fully
rotated forward
position;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of
FIG. 16 with the first
handle in the intermediate position and the second handle in the fully rotated
forward position;;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of
FIG. 16 with the first
handle in the intermediate position and the second handle in a fully rotated
away position;
[0041] FIG. 26 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of
FIG. 16 with the first
handle and second handle in their fully rotated away positions;
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[0042] FIG. 27 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of
FIG. 16 with the first
handle and the second handle in their fully rotated forward positions; and
[0043] FIG. 28 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet of
FIG. 16 with the first
handle in the fully rotated forward position and the second handle in the
fully rotated away
position.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
[0044] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of
the present
disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the
drawings, which are
described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the embodiments are
chosen and described so
that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no
limitation of the scope of
the claimed invention is thereby intended. The present invention includes any
alterations and
further modifications of the illustrated devices and described methods and
further applications of
the principles of the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in
the art to which the
invention relates.
[0045] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment faucet 10
includes a
delivery spout 12 including an inlet 14 and an outlet 16. The delivery spout
12 may include a hub
18 supporting an upper portion 20. The hub 18 illustratively includes a
straight or linear portion
22, while the upper portion 20 is illustratively J-shaped as including an
arcuate portion 24. The
outlet 16 may be defined by a removable sprayhead 26 (typically called a
pulldown or pullout
sprayhead). The linear portion 22 is positioned intermediate the inlet 14 and
the outlet 16 and
defines a longitudinal axis 28. A water control handle 30 is supported by the
linear portion 22 of
the delivery spout 12.
[0046] The handle 30 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis 28 (as shown
by arrows 32)
for controlling a first water parameter, and the handle 30 is axially moveable
along the
longitudinal axis 28 (as shown by arrows 34) for controlling a second water
parameter.
Illustratively, the first water parameter is water temperature at the outlet
16, and the second water
parameter is water flow rate at the outlet 16.
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the handle 30 illustratively includes
an inner portion
or shell 36, and an outer portion or shell 38. The handle 30 illustratively
includes an inner collar
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or tube 40 concentrically receiving the linear portion 22 of the delivery
spout 12. The collar 40 is
slidably received on the delivery spout 12 for linear movement along the
longitudinal axis 28.
The collar 40 is also rotatably supported on the delivery spout 12 for
rotation about the
longitudinal axis 28. A blade 42 illustratively extends radially outwardly
from the collar 40. A
threaded hub top or nut 44 is threadably secured to an upper end of the hub 18
to axially retain
handle 30. More particularly, the nut 44 defines an upper limit stop, while a
lip 46 on the hub 18
defines a lower limit stop. A plastic isolator or spacer 47 is illustratively
positioned between the
hub 18 and the upper portion 20 of the delivery spout 12.
[0048] A handle sensor 48 is illustratively supported by the delivery
spout 12. More
particularly, the sensor 48 may be supported by a printed circuit board (PCB)
50, which is
positioned on a circuit board housing 52. A magnet 54 is illustratively
supported by the blade 42
of the handle 30, and is configured to be detected by the sensor 48. In one
illustrative
embodiment, multiple sensors 48 are supported by the circuit board 50 to
provide three-
dimensional (3D) detection of the position of the magnet 54 and, as such, the
position of the
handle 30. In another illustrative embodiment, a single three-dimensional (3D)
sensor is provided
on the circuit board 50. Illustratively, the sensor 48 may comprise a
conventional Hall-effect
sensor.
[0049] An electrically operable valve 56, illustratively a mixing valve or
electronic
proportioning valves, is in fluid communication with a hot water source 58 and
a cold water
source 60. The valve 56 illustratively controls the flow rate and the
temperature of water
delivered to the outlet 16 of the delivery spout 12. A flexible outlet hose or
tube 61 illustratively
extends within the delivery spout 12 and fluidly couples an outlet port of the
electrically operable
valve 56 to the outlet 16 of the sprayhead 26. A controller 62 is in
communication with the valve
56 and the sensor 48. As such, movement of the handle 30 is detected by the
sensor 48, which
provides a signal to the controller 62, which in turn controls the valve 56.
[0050] A collar spacer 64 is supported within the delivery spout 12 and
provides
rotational limit stops 66 and 68 for the handle 30. An axial retainer 70
prevents the handle 30
from falling under its own weight. Illustratively, the axial retainer 70
provides a predetermined
amount of friction between the handle 30 and the delivery spout 12. Standard
methods of
introducing friction for translational motion will have a significant
difference between the static
and dynamic friction. This may result in the handle 30 jumping when the static
friction is
CA 3002824 2018-04-25
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overcome and the friction drops as motion begins. As such, smooth operation
may be difficult to
achieve.
[0051] The axial retainer 70 converts the translational motion of the
handle 30 to a
rotational motion of two friction rings 72 and 74. The change of torque to
rotate the rings 72 and
74 at rest and while moving is much less noticeable to the user and results in
smooth operation.
[0052] The lower friction ring 72 and the upper friction ring 74 are
supported by the hub
18. Each ring 72 and 74 illustratively includes a plurality of inwardly biased
tabs 76 and 78,
respectively, to engage the outer surface of the hub 18. The lower friction
ring 72 illustratively
includes a plurality of first tabs or threads 80 configured to engage first
inner grooves 82 formed
in the inner surface of the collar 40. Similarly, the upper friction ring 74
illustratively includes a
plurality of second tabs or threads 84 configured to engage second inner
grooves 86 formed in
the inner surface of the collar 40. Illustratively, the first inner grooves 82
of the collar 40 are left
handed threads, while the second inner grooves 86 of the collar 40 are right
handed threads. The
tabs 80 and 84 are illustratively received within the left handed threads 82
and the right handed
threads 86, respectively, of the collar 40.
[0053] The internal threads 82 and 86 of the handle 30 mate with the tabs
80 and 84 on
the rings 72 and 74. As the handle 30 is slid up/down, the rings 72 and 74
rotate. Tabs 76 and 78
on the rings 72 and 74 introduce friction between the rings 72 and 74 and the
cylinder 18 they
surround. The thread angle should be steep enough to not result in self-
locking or it will be
impossible to move the handle 30 up/down.
[0054] Because the threads 82 and 86 are not self-locking, the handle 30
would
"unscrew" and fall in relation to the static ring if a single ring were used.
Each of the two rings
72 and 74 use opposite left-hand 82 and right-hand threads 86, and the handle
30 contains the
matching thread in the portions that mate with each ring 72 and 74. When the
handle 30 is slid
up/down, the rings 72 and 74 will rotate in opposite directions. The use of
two rings 72 and 74
prevents the handle 30 from being able to "unscrew" and fall due to the
counterbalancing of
loads.
[0055] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of further illustrative
embodiment faucets
110 and 210, respectively. Faucet 110 has a different design of handle 30,
while faucet 210 has a
different location of the handle 30.
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[0056] FIG. 10A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet 10 of
FIG. 1, showing
the handle 30 in a low water flow, cold water position. FIG. 10B is a side
elevational view of the
handle 30 of FIG. 10A in the low water flow, cold water position, with the
handle 30 shown in
phantom.
[0057] FIG. 11A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet 10 of
FIG. 1, showing
the handle 30 in a low water flow, mixed water temperature position. FIG. 11B
is a side
elevational view of the handle 30 of FIG. 11A in the low water flow, mixed
water temperature
position, with the handle 30 shown in phantom.
[0058] FIG. 12A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet 10 of
FIG. 1, showing
the handle 30 in a low water flow, hot water temperature position. FIG. 12B is
a side elevational
view of the handle 30 of FIG. 12A in the low water flow, hot water temperature
position, with
the handle 30 shown in phantom.
[0059] FIG. 13A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet 10 of
FIG. 1, showing
the handle 30 in a high water flow, cold water temperature position. FIG. 13B
is a side
elevational view of the handle 30 of FIG. 13A in the high water flow, cold
water temperature
position, with the handle 30 shown in phantom.
[0060] FIG. 14A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet 10 of
FIG. 1, showing
the handle 30 in a high water flow, mixed water temperature position. FIG. 14B
is a side
elevational view of the handle 30 of FIG. 14A in the high water flow, mixed
water temperature
position, with the handle 30 shown in phantom.
[0061] FIG. 15A is partial top plan view of the illustrative faucet 10 of
FIG. 1, showing
the handle 30 in a high water flow, hot water temperature position. FIG. 15B
is a side elevational
view of the handle 30 of FIG. 15A in the high water flow, hot water
temperature position, with
the handle 30 shown in phantom.
[0062] FIGS. 16 -18 show a further illustrative embodiment faucet 310.
Faucet 310
illustrative includes a delivery spout 312 including an inlet 314 and an
outlet 316. As is known,
the delivery spout 312 is defined by at least one tubular member including a
center axis 317
extending between the inlet 314 and the outlet 316. The delivery spout 312 may
include a hub
318 supporting an upper or cantilevered portion 320. The hub 318 is configured
to mount to a
mounting surface, for example, a sink deck or countertop. The hub 318
illustratively includes a
straight or linear portion 322, while the upper portion 320 is illustratively
J-shaped and includes
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an arcuate portion 324. While the upper portion 320 of faucet 310 has an
illustratively J-shaped
profile, it is contemplated that upper portion 320 may comprise different
geometric profiles,
including linear and curvilinear shapes. The outlet 316 may be defined by a
removable sprayhead
326 (typically called a pulldown or pullout sprayhead or wand).
[0063] The linear portion 322 of faucet 310 is positioned intermediate the
inlet 314 and
the outlet 316 and defines a longitudinal axis 328 (e.g., part of the center
axis 317). Linear
portion 322 illustratively supports a first rotatable handle 330a and a second
rotatable handle
330b. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second handle 330b is arranged
longitudinally of
the first handle 330a along the longitudinal axis 328 in an axial direction
327 (i.e., below the first
handle 330a).
[0064] In the illustrative embodiment shown, the handles 330a, 330b are
independently
rotatable about the longitudinal axis 328. More specifically, the first
rotatable handle 330a
rotates about longitudinal axis 328 to control a first water parameter and the
second rotatable
handle 330b rotates about longitudinal axis 328 to control a second water
parameter.
Illustratively, the first water parameter is a water flow rate, and the second
water parameter is a
water temperature. In some embodiments, the water flow rate is the water flow
rate supplied to
the outlet 316, and/or the water temperature is the water temperature supplied
to the outlet 316.
In an alternative illustrative embodiment, the first water parameter is a flow
rate of hot water
from a hot water source 362 delivered to the delivery spout 12, and the second
water parameter is
a flow rate of cold water from a cold water source 366 delivered to the
delivery spout (see FIG.
19).
[0065] With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the handles 330a, 330b
illustratively include
inner portions 336a, 336b and outer portions 338a, 338b. In the exemplary
embodiment shown,
the outer portions 338a, 338b comprise a shell configured to receive inner
portions 336a, 336b,
respectively. Each of the outer portions 338a, 338b of the handles 330a, 330b
illustratively
further includes collars 339a, 339b that are rotatably supported on the
delivery spout 312 for
rotation about the longitudinal axis 328. Illustratively, the collars 339a,
339b comprise a tube
that concentrically receives the linear portion 322 of delivery spout 312.
More specifically, collar
339b abuts a lip 346 of the hub 318. Collar 339a is arranged longitudinally of
collar 339b in axial
direction 329 and abuts collar 339b.
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[0066] The outer portions 338a, 338b include longitudinal flanges or blades
331a, 331b
extending radially outwardly from the collars 339a, 339b, respectively. The
handles 330a, 330b
are axially secured to the hub 318 with a threaded hub top or nut 344. The hub
top 344 is
threadably secured to an upper end of the hub 318. A plastic isolator 347 is
illustratively received
within an upper recess of the threaded hub top 344 and adjacent the upper
portion 320 of the
delivery spout 312. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the isolator 347
fixedly secures a hose
adapter 348 within the hub top 344. The hose adapter 348 illustratively
receives an outlet hose
361 extending within the upper portion 320 of the delivery spout 312 and which
is in fluid
communication with the outlet 316 to the hub 318. Furthermore, the hose
adapter 348
illustratively rotatably couples the upper portion 320 to the hub 318. In the
exemplary
embodiment shown, the hub top 344 and the hose adapter 348 illustratively
comprise a metallic
alloy, for example, brass. The isolator 347 may be an injection molded polymer
between the hub
top 344 and the hose adapter 348 to fixedly secure the hub top 344 to the hose
adapter 348. An
advantage, among others, of the isolator 347 is that the upper portion 320 is
electronically
decoupled from the hub 318 in order to facilitate the use of capacitive
sensing technology in the
upper portion 320. Another advantage, among others, of the isolator 347 is
that an aesthetically
pleasing appearance and transition between the hub 318 and the upper portion
320 results.
[0067] The inner portions 336a, 336b likewise concentrically receive the
linear portion
322 of the delivery spout 312. Each of the inner portions 336a, 336b is
axially secured to the
linear portion 322 with set screws 335a, 335b. Each of the set screws 335a,
335b is received
within a recess 333a, 333b of the linear portion 322 such that the handles
330a, 330b are axially
restrained in axial directions 327, 329 (as shown in FIG. 16) but are free to
rotate about the
longitudinal axis 328. In addition, the set screws 335a, 335b may engage the
ends of the recesses
333a, 333b of the linear portion 322 when the handles 330a, 330b are rotated
about the
longitudinal axis 328. In this way, the recesses 333a, 333b in the linear
portion 322 and the set
screws 335a, 335b provide rotational limit stops for the handles 330a, 330b.
[0068] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner portions 336a, 336b
further
include a plurality of inwardly biased friction tabs 337a, 337b configured to
engage an outer
surface of the hub 318. An advantage, among others, of the friction tabs 337a,
337b is that a
resistive feedback is provided to the user during rotation of the handles
330a, 330b about the
longitudinal axis 328. Another advantage, among others, of the friction tabs
337a, 337b is that
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the handles 330a, 330b retain their angular position following rotation about
the longitudinal axis
328. To that end, a user must apply a force to the handles 330a, 330b
sufficient to overcome the
frictional force supplied by the friction tabs 337a, 337b to effect rotation
of handles 330a, 330b
about the longitudinal axis 328.
[0069] Each of the inner portions 336a, 336b illustratively supports a
magnet 334a, 334b,
respectively. The magnets 334a, 334b are received within a recess of inner
portions 336a, 336b.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, magnets 334a, 334b comprise a cylindrical
shape and are
oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 328. It is contemplated,
however, that magnets
334a, 334b may comprise a variety of geometrical shapes. Each of handles 330a,
330b also
includes a trim piece 340a, 340b removable coupled to inner portions 336a,
336b.
[0070] The faucet 310 further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 350,
which is
housed on a circuit board housing 352. The circuit board housing 352 is
received within an
interior of the hub 318. An upper portion of the circuit board housing 352 is
releasably engaged
with the hose adapter 348. To that end, the circuit board housing 352
illustratively includes a coil
spring 358 electrically coupled to the hose adapter 348 and the PCB 350.
Because the upper
portion 320 is electrically decoupled from the linear portion 322 by the
isolator 347, the coil
spring 358 provides an electrical pathway from the upper portion 320 to the
PCB 350 for
proximity sensing technology utilized in the upper portion 320, such as
capacitive sensing
technology.
[0071] In another embodiment, the PCB 350 may include a manually actuatable
electrical
switch, for example, a toggle switch or a push button, that cycles the first
water parameter and
the second water parameter between various water parameters. Illustratively,
the faucet 310 may
be configured during factory assembly such that first water parameter is a
water flow rate at the
outlet 316, and the second water parameter is a water temperature at the
outlet 316. During
installation of the faucet 310, the manually actuatable electrical switch may
be actuated by a
technician or a user such that the first water parameter is a flow rate of hot
water from the hot
water source 362 delivered to the delivery spout 312, and the second water
parameter is a flow
rate of cold water from the cold water source 366 delivered to the delivery
spout 312.
[0072] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the circuit board 350
illustratively includes
a plurality of paired single direction magnetic sensors. More specifically,
the circuit board 350
includes a first pair of magnetic sensors 351a and a second pair of magnetic
sensors 351b. The
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magnetic sensors 351a, 351b detect the magnetic field associated with the
magnets 334a, 334b,
respectively. The pair of magnetic sensors 351a are illustratively positioned
laterally on the
circuit board 350 and in a linear line with one another. Similarly, the pair
of magnetic sensors
351b are illustratively positioned laterally on the circuit board 350 and in-
line with one another.
The pair of magnetic sensors 351b are illustratively arranged longitudinally
of the pair of
magnetics sensors 351a along a longitudinal axis of the circuit board 350
(e.g., sensors 351b are
below sensors 351a).
[0073] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the magnetic sensors 351a
illustratively
detect the magnetic field associated with the magnet 334a, and the magnetic
sensors 351b detect
the magnetic field associated with the magnet 334b. The magnetic sensors 351a,
351b are
communicatively coupled to a controller 360 that controls a first control
valve 364 and a second
control valve 368 (see FIG. 19). As a result, the signal from the magnetic
sensors 351a, 351b is
communicated to the controller 360. In one illustrative embodiment, the
magnetic sensors 351a,
351b provide two-dimensional detection of the position of the magnets 334a,
334b and, as such,
the rotational position of the handles 330a, 330b, respectively. In another
embodiment, a pair of
two-dimensional sensors are provided to the circuit board 350. One of two-
dimensional sensors
detects the position of the magnet 334a and the other of the two-dimensional
sensors detects the
position of the magnet 334b. Illustratively, the magnetic sensors 351a, 351b
may comprise board
mount Hall-effect sensors. In one embodiment, the magnetic sensors 351a, 351b
comprise an
SMD/SMT SOT-23-5 board mount Hall-effect sensors.
[0074] The circuit board 350 further includes an LED cable 354 and a main
cable 356. In
one embodiment, the faucet 310 includes a visual indicator, such as an LED,
that provides a
visual status related to the faucet 310 to the user. For example, the visual
indicator may provide
visual information regarding water temperature at the outlet 316 or an
operating state of the
faucet 316. The main cable 354 is in electrical communication with the first
control valve 364
and the second control valve 368 (see FIG. 19).
[0075] Referring further to FIG. 19, a block diagram of the exemplary
embodiment is
shown. The delivery spout 312 is fluidly coupled to the hot water source 362
and to the cold
water source 366. The first control valve 364 is fluidly coupled to the
delivery spout 312 and to
the hot water source 362. The second control valve 366 is fluidly coupled to
the delivery spout
312 and to the cold water source 366. The first control valve 364 and the
second control valve
CA 3002824 2018-04-25
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366 are positioned between their respective water sources 362 and 366 and the
delivery spout
312. As a result, the control valves 364, 366 control the flow of water to the
delivery spout 312.
More particularly, the control valves 364, 366 are illustratively electronic
proportioning valves
including movable valve members configured to separately control the flow of
hot water and
cold water. Flexible outlet hose or tube 361 illustratively extends within the
delivery spout 312
and fluidly couples outlet ports of the control valves 364 and 366 to the
outlet 316 of the
sprayhead 326.
[0076] In an illustrative embodiment, the controller 360 is configured to
control
operation of control valves 364 and 366 and, therefore water parameters (e.g.,
water flow rate,
water temperature and/or dispensing volume). In one such illustrative
embodiment, the
controller 360 may provide controlled dispensing (e.g., volume or metered
output) as a water
parameter in response to different degrees of rotation of the handles 330a
and/or 330b. For
example, rotation of handle 330a, 330b to a first degree may provide a first
metered output or
dispensed amount (e.g., 1 cup), rotation of handle 330a, 330b to a second
degree may provide a
second metered output or dispensed amount (e.g., 2 cups), etc.
[0077] In alternative illustrative embodiments, rotation of the handles
330a and/or 330b
may control other faucet/sink related functions. For example, the controller
360 may control
operation of another electrically operable device 370 (FIG. 19) in response to
rotation of the
handles 330a and/or 330b. Such electrically operable device 370 may comprise,
for example, a
garbage disposal supported under the sink, or an electronic soap dispenser
supported on the
mounting surface (e.g., sink deck).
[0078] While the illustrative embodiment shows two handles 330a and 330b
positioned
on the linear portion 322 of the delivery spout 312, different numbers and
positioning of handles
330 are contemplated. For example, first handle 330a may control water flow
rate, second
handle 330b may control water temperature, and a third handle (not shown) may
control
electrically operable device 370.
[0079] While shown as two separate valves, it is contemplated that control
valves 364,
366 could comprise a single valve body having at least two controllable fluid
flow pathways. For
example, the control valves 364, 366 may comprise a single electronically
operable mixing valve
with at least one moveable valve element to control at least one water
parameter, for example,
the water flow rate or the water temperature at the outlet 316.
CA 3002824 2018-04-25
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[0080] The magnetic sensors 351a, 351b of the handles 330a, 330b are
communicatively
coupled to the controller 360. In turn, the controller 360 is communicatively
coupled to the
control valves 364, 368. As a result, a signal from the magnetic sensors 351a,
351b is sent to the
control 360, which in turns communicates a control signal to the control
valves 364, 368. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, the controller 360 and the control valves 364, 368
are positioned
below the mounting surface.
[0081] Rotation of the first handle 330a and the second handle 330b about
the
longitudinal axis 328 controls or varies the first water parameter and the
second water parameter,
respectively. Illustratively, handles 330a, 330b rotate approximately 90
degrees about the
longitudinal axis 328, as illustrated in FIGS. 20-27. More specifically, the
handle 330a is
moveable between a position rotated 45 degrees about the longitudinal axis in
the direction 396
(clockwise as shown in FIGS. 20, 27, and 28) and a position rotated
approximately 45 degrees
about the longitudinal axis 328 in the direction 398 (counter-clockwise as
shown in FIGS. 22, 23,
and 26), with a 0 degree position as shown in FIGS. 21, 24, and 25. Likewise,
the handle 330b is
moveable between a position rotated 45 degrees about the longitudinal axis in
the direction 396
(clockwise as shown in FIGS. 23, 24, and 27) and a position rotated
approximately 45 degrees
about the longitudinal axis 328 in the direction 398 (counter-clockwise as
shown in FIGS. 25, 26,
and 28), with a 0 degree position as shown in FIGS. 20-22. In the exemplary
embodiment shown,
the position rotated approximately 45 degrees about the longitudinal axis 328
in the direction 396
(clockwise) relative to the 0 degree position is illustratively toward a user
(forward). Similarly,
the position rotated approximately 45 degrees about the longitudinal axis 328
in the direction 398
(counter-clockwise) relative to the 0 degree position is illustratively away
from the user
(rearward).
[00821 As the handles 330a, 330b are rotated about the longitudinal axis
328, the
magnetic fields associated with the respective magnets 334a, 334b change. The
magnetic sensors
351a, 351b detect and communicate the changes in the magnetic field to the
controller 360. The
controller 360 then converts these changes into commands that are communicated
to the control
valves 364, 366. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the signal from the
magnetic sensors
351a, 351b corresponds to the present angular position of the handles 330a,
330b with respect to
the longitudinal axis 328. Further, the angular position of the handles 330a,
330b corresponds to
settings of the first water parameter and the second parameter, respectively.
CA 3002824 2018-04-25
15
[0083] Illustratively, when the handles 330a, 330b are fully rotated in
the direction 396
(clockwise) toward a user (forward), the angular position of the handles 330a,
330b corresponds
to the first water parameter and the second water parameter at their lowest
respective settings.
For example, if the first water parameter is a water flow rate at the outlet
316, then the position
of the handle 330a fully rotated in the direction 396 toward the user
corresponds to a low water
flow rate. If the second water parameter is a water temperature at the outlet
316, then the position
of the handle 330b fully rotated in the direction 396 toward the user
corresponds to a full cold
water temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the low water flow rate may
be a zero water
flow rate. In another alternative embodiment, if the first water parameter is
a flow rate of hot
water from the hot water source 362 delivered to the delivery spout 312, then
the position of the
handle 330a fully rotated in the direction 396 toward the user corresponds to
a low hot water
flow rate. If the second water parameter is a flow of cold water from the cold
water source 366
delivered to the delivery spout 312, then the position of the handle 330b
fully rotated in the
direction 396 toward the user corresponds to a low cold water flow rate. In a
further alternative
embodiment, the low hot water flow rate and the low cold water flow rate may
be a zero water
flow rate.
[0084] When the handles 330a, 330b are fully rotated in the direction 398
(counter-
clockwise) away from the user (rearward), the angular position of the handles
330a, 330b
corresponds to the first water parameter and the second water parameter at
their highest
respective settings. For example, if the first water parameter is a water flow
rate at the outlet 316,
then the position of the handle 330a fully rotated in the direction 398 away
from the user
corresponds to a high water flow rate. If the second water parameter is a
water temperature at the
outlet 316, then the position of the handle 330b fully rotated in the
direction 398 away from the
user corresponds to a full hot water temperature. In an alternative
embodiment, if the first water
parameter is a flow rate of hot water from the hot water source 362 delivered
to the delivery
spout 312, then the position of the handle 330a fully rotated in the direction
398 away from the
user corresponds to a high hot water flow rate. If the second water parameter
is a flow of cold
water from the cold water source 366 delivered to the delivery spout 312, then
the position of the
handle 330b fully rotated in the direction 398 away from the user corresponds
to a high cold
water flow rate.
CA 3002824 2018-04-25
16
[0085] When the handles 330a, 330b are positioned intermediate the fully
rotated
(forward) position and the fully rotated away (rearward) position, the angular
position of the
handles 330a, 330b corresponds to the first water parameter and the second
water parameter at
intermediate settings. For example, if the first water parameter is the water
flow rate at the outlet
316, then the position of th( handle 330a intermediate the fully rotated
toward position and the
fully rotated away position corresponds to a water flow rate intermediate the
low water flow rate
and the high water flow rate. If the second water parameter is the water
temperature at the outlet
316, then the position of the handle 330b intermediate the fully rotated
toward position and the
fully rotated away position corresponds to a water temperature intermediate
the full cold water
temperature and the full hot water temperature, or full mixing of the cold
water flow and the hot
water flow. In an alternative embodiment, if the first water parameter is a
flow rate of hot water
from the hot water source 362 delivered to the delivery spout 312, then the
position of the handle
330a intermediate the fully rotated toward position and the fully rotated away
position
corresponds to a flow rate of hot water intermediate the low hot water flow
rate and the high hot
water flow rate. If the second water parameter is a flow of cold water from
the cold water source
366 delivered to the delivery spout 312, then the position of the handle 330b
intermediate the
fully rotated toward position and the fully rotated away position corresponds
to a flow rate of
cold water intermediate the low cold water flow rate and the high cold water
flow rate.
[0086] Referring specifically to FIG. 20, the handle 330a is in the fully
rotated toward
(forward) position, and the handle 330b is in the intermediate position.
Therefore in the
exemplary embodiment shown, the handle 330a corresponds to a low water flow
rate and the
handle 330b corresponds to a water temperature intermediate the full cold
water temperature and
the full hot water temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 330a
corresponds to a
low flow rate of hot water. The handle 330b corresponds to a flow rate of cold
water
intermediate the low cold water flow rate and the high cold water flow rate.
In another
alternative embodiment, the low flow rate may correspond to a zero flow rate.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 21, the handles 330a, 330b are in their
respective
intermediate positions. Therefore in the exemplary embodiment shown, the
handle 330a
corresponds to water flow rate intermediate the low water flow rate and the
high water flow rate.
The handle 330b corresponds to a water temperature intermediate the full cold
water temperature
and the full hot water temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the handle
330a corresponds to
CA 3002824 2018-04-25
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a flow rate of hot water intermediate the low hot water flow rate and the high
hot water flow rate.
The handle 330b corresponds to a flow rate of cold water intermediate the low
cold water flow
rate and the high cold water flow rate.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 22, the handle 330a is in the fully rotated
away (rearward)
position, and the handle 330b is in the intermediate position. Therefore in
the exemplary
embodiment shown, the handle 330a corresponds to a high water flow rate. The
handle 330b
corresponds to a water temperature intermediate the full cold water
temperature and the full hot
water temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 330a corresponds
to a high flow rate
of hot water. The handle 330b corresponds to a flow rate of cold water
intermediate the low cold
water flow rate and the high cold water flow rate.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 23, the handle 330a is in the fully rotated
away (rearward)
position and the handle 330b is in the fully rotated toward (forward)
position. Therefore in the
exemplary embodiment shown, the handle 330a corresponds to a high water flow
rate. The
handle 330b corresponds to a full cold water temperature. In an alternative
embodiment, the
handle 330a corresponds to a high flow rate of hot water. The handle 330b
corresponds to a low
flow rate of cold water. In another alternative embodiment, the low flow rate
may correspond to
a zero flow rate.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 24, the handle 330a is in the intermediate
position, and the
handle 330b is in the fully rotated toward (forward) position. Therefore in
the exemplary
embodiment shown, the handle 330a corresponds to a water flow rate
intermediate the low water
flow rate and the high water flow rate. The handle 330b corresponds to a full
cold water
temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 330a corresponds to a
flow rate of hot
water intermediate the low hot water flow rate and the high hot water flow
rate. The handle 330b
corresponds to a low flow rate of cold water. In another alternative
embodiment, the low flow
rate may correspond to a zero flow rate.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 25, the handle 330a is in the intermediate
position, and the
handle 330b is in the fully rotated away (rearward) position. Therefore in the
exemplary
embodiment shown, the handle 330a corresponds to a water flow rate
intermediate the low water
flow rate and the high water flow rate. The handle 330b corresponds to a full
hot water
temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 330a corresponds to a
flow rate of hot
water intermediate the low hot water flow rate and the high hot water flow
rate. The handle 330b
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corresponds to a high flow rate of cold water. In another alternative
embodiment, the low flow
rate may correspond to a zero flow rate.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 26, the handles 330a, 330b are in their
respective fully
rotated away (rearward) positions. Therefore in the exemplary embodiment
shown, the handle
330a corresponds to a high water flow rate and the handle 330b corresponds to
a full hot water
temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 330a corresponds to high
flow rate of hot
water and the handle 330b corresponds to a high flow rate of cold water. In
such an embodiment,
the position of the handles 330a, 330b shown in FIG. 27 would correspond to a
fully open or on
state of the faucet 310.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 27, the handles 330a, 330b are in their
respective fully
rotated toward (forward) positions. Therefore the handle 330a corresponds to a
low water flow
rate and the handle 330b corresponds to a full cold water temperature. In an
alternative
embodiment, the handle 330a corresponds to a low flow rate of hot water and
the handle 330b
corresponds to a low flow rate of cold water. In another alternative
embodiment, the low flow
rate may correspond to a zero flow rate. In such an embodiment, the position
of the handles
330a, 330b shown in FIG. 27 would correspond to a non-flow or an off state of
the faucet 310.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 28, the handle 330a is in the fully rotated
toward (forward)
position, and the handle 330b is in the fully rotated away (rearward)
position. Therefore in the
exemplary embodiment shown, the handle 330a corresponds to a low water flow
rate and the
handle 330b corresponds to a full hot water temperature. In an alternative
embodiment, the
handle 330a corresponds to a low flow rate of hot water and the handle 330b
corresponds to high
flow rate of cold water. In another alternative embodiment, the low flow rate
may correspond to
a zero flow rate.
[0095] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference
to certain
preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirt and
scope of the
invention as described and defined in the following claims.
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